Long Island City lights up for the holidays

(from top left to top right) Elizabeth Lusskin, president of the LIC Partnership; Jeffrey Goodell, vice president for government affairs for JetBlue; State Senator Michael Gianaris; Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer; Sheila Lewandowski, founder of the Chocolate Factory, and student carolers from P.S. 78 celebrate the holidays by lighting festive snowflakes along Vernon Boulevard.

The Long Island City community came together to welcome the holidays and make the season bright.

Over 100 residents young and old gathered with local elected officials and community leaders on Tuesday night to celebrate the holidays by lighting festive snowflakes along Vernon Boulevard.

Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer worked together with JetBlue to a secure a $5,000 grant to bring the holiday lights to the thriving neighborhood.

The holiday celebration included Christmas carols sung by students from P.S. 78, led by Gianna Cerbone-Teoli, owner of Manducatis Rustica located at 46-33 Vernon Boulevard.

The night also included readings of special Christmas stories by the fireplace of LIC BAR, located at 45-58 Vernon Boulevard, and a performance by local jazz group, The Charlie Brown Christmas Trio.